ORIGINAL EAU DE COLOGNE by Farina

There are many claims made in the perfume world that companies are “the original”, “the trendsetter”, “the pioneer”, but these often end up being merely cleverly-created marketing. Making a customer feel as though they're in possession of something that is, or will be, timeless is the goal of every brand when they launch a fragrance. However, when you have a documented history stretching back to 1709 then you really can shout about your achievement. Farina is the originator of the Eau de Cologne and, after too many years of under-appreciation, the company are once again triumphantly shouting about their famous creation.

Giovanni Maria Farina, who later changed his name to Johann Maria Farina, was born in Italy and had an early love and fascination for scent. He was intrigued by the way scents could combine, how they could be extracted, and this dedicated study ultimately led to him creating his Eau de Cologne in 1709. In collaboration with his brother, Johann Baptist, they released what is widely considered to be the first citrus-laden alcohol-based perfume. Why is this important? Prior to this it was usual to have an oil as the base, which made the scents heavier. So, it was a major step forward.

The Farina name travelled around the world and, with the exception of a some turbulence during the First World War, the original Eau de Cologne has never been out of full-time production. 1925 saw the arrival of the exceptional Russisch Leder, a beautiful take on the Cuir de Russie style, and this also has remained in production ever since. However, intriguingly named fragrances such as Clorylopsis, Barbados and Vis-à-vis have unfortunately disappeared into the mists of time. It’s hard to believe that a fragrance that is 317 years old can still hold an audience, but that’s exactly what it does.

When Giovanni first wrote to his brother about the fragrance, he said that he had created “a scent that reminds me of an Italian spring morning, of mountain narcissus, orange blossom just after the rain.” At that time unnamed, it would be his eventual relocation to Germany, and in particular Köln, that saw him honour the city by naming it Eau de Cologne. This name would go on to represent an entire category of fragrances but, while you may be expecting the usual transparent frippery, Farina’s Eau de Cologne is a complex and evocative scent that should be at the top of everyone’s list as we get ready for summer.

The fragrance opens with an incredible citrus medley that is effervescent and mouth-watering. Its timeless combination of lemon, grapefruit, bitter orange, lime and bergamot gives a sharp sherberty entrance to the scent that definitely conjures a bright spring morning. It’s then added to by a metallic-edged neroli that provides a dewy green contrast to the opening, along with the really subtle addition of jasmine and orange blossom. You can also pick out a hint of lavender and thyme in the heart, which links perfectly back to the aromatic bergamot, before a whisper of sweetened sandalwood and golden musk completes this truly timeless cologne.

Farina’s Original Eau de Cologne is available from the Farina website at farina1709.com, and also Roullier White, priced at £78 for 100ml, £52 for 50ml and £33 for 30ml. [Perfume was purchased]